Katsu Curry (with Crispy Tofu Katsu)

Katsu Curry is the ultimate comfort food, combining a rich and hearty Japanese curry sauce with golden, crispy tofu katsu, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. This dish is packed with flavor and offers a satisfying crunch from the tofu, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy yet indulgent meal that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Katsu Curry is a flavor-packed dish that is both comforting and hearty. The Japanese curry roux provides a rich, savory base with a hint of sweetness, while the crispy tofu katsu adds a delightful crunch. Served with rice, it’s a balanced meal that’s filling yet light enough for a quick dinner. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even on busy weeknights, and can be customized to your liking, making it a versatile favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Curry:

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 medium carrots, sliced (about 0.5 inch / 1.5 cm thick)

• 2 medium potatoes, cubed

• 3 oz (90g) Japanese curry roux/paste (S&B Golden Curry is a popular brand)

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

For the Tofu Katsu:

• 18 oz (500g) extra firm tofu

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup milk (soy milk or any plant-based milk works well)

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• A good pinch of garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Oil for frying (sunflower oil is a good option)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Curry

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Then, add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes, and sauté for an additional minute.

2. Simmer the Vegetables: Pour in 3 cups of water, cover with a lid, and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are mostly cooked but still have a slight bite.

3. Add the Curry Roux: Once the vegetables are nearly done, add the curry roux to the pot. Stir gently to help the roux melt into the broth. Let it simmer on low for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add boiling water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.

2. Prepare the Tofu Katsu

1. Press the Tofu: To remove excess moisture, press the tofu blocks for 10-15 minutes using a tofu press or by placing the tofu between paper towels and weighing it down with a heavy object (like a pot).

2. Slice the Tofu: After pressing, slice the tofu into 0.5-inch (1.5 cm) thick slices, then season all sides with salt and black pepper.

3. Set up the Dipping Station: Prepare three bowls for breading the tofu:

   • In the first bowl, mix ½ cup of flour with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

   • In the second bowl, combine the milk with 1 tablespoon of flour.

   • In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

4. Bread the Tofu: Coat each tofu slice first in the flour mixture, then dip into the milk mixture, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press the panko crumbs gently to ensure a good coating on all sides.

3. Fry the Tofu Katsu

1. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.

2. Fry the Tofu: Carefully place the tofu slices into the hot oil, making sure they’re not overlapping. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. If needed, flip the tofu and fry the edges as well. Once done, place the tofu on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with salt.

3. Slice the Tofu: Once the tofu has cooled slightly, slice it diagonally into strips.

4. Assemble the Katsu Curry

1. Serve the Curry: Ladle the curry into bowls over a serving of rice.

2. Add the Tofu: Arrange the sliced tofu katsu on top of the curry.

3. Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Katsu Curry!

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 5 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

1. Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or zucchini to the curry for extra flavor and texture.

2. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

3. Spicy Version: If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the curry for a spicy kick.

4. Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan, but if you prefer a richer sauce, you can add coconut milk instead of the milk and soy milk in the katsu preparation.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Katsu Curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. If the curry thickens too much, you can add a splash of water to adjust the consistency. The tofu katsu will lose some crispiness when stored, but it can still be reheated in a hot pan for a bit of crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of tofu?

Yes, you can replace the tofu with breaded and fried chicken cutlets for a non-vegan version of Katsu Curry.

Can I make this curry spicier?

Absolutely! You can add extra chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a tablespoon of chili paste to increase the heat.

Can I make the curry ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the curry ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just prepare the tofu katsu fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought curry paste?

Yes, using store-bought curry paste is a quick and convenient alternative to using curry roux. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and thickness to your taste.

Conclusion

This Katsu Curry with Crispy Tofu Katsu is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s full of flavor. The combination of the rich curry sauce, crispy tofu, and soft rice makes for an indulgent meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Whether you’re a tofu lover or just want to try a plant-based version of this classic dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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